2019 NFL Draft: Can A.J. Brown live up to the top five hype?

Ole Miss Rebels wide receiver A.J. Brown is garnering praise as a potential top-five pick, but how realistic is the 2019 NFL Draft hype surrounding hype?

The 2019 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one that favors non-quarterbacks near the top of the board. There are certainly field generals worth knowing, but most analysts’ top 15 lists are dominated by linemen, linebackers, and cornerbacks.

Amidst the grinders and defensive playmakers, however, is a prospect at a position that isn’t quite like the others: Wide receiver.

Ole Miss Rebels wide receiver A.J. Brown is garnering praise as one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2019 NFL Draft. It’s certainly understandable, as he’s a strong target with a big catch radius and gaudy statistics.

As the Rebels prepare for a season that will include the loss of quarterback Shea Patterson and an attempt to change their reputation, however, Brown is facing immeasurable pressure.

Patterson was Ole Miss’ starting quarterback for the first seven outings of the 2017 season. An injury sidelined him for the Rebels’ final five games, but he helped Brown produce four of his six 100-yard receiving games.

Brown struggled mightily against Alabama and LSU, but it’s worth noting that Patterson completed 24 of 52 passes for no touchdowns and five interceptions between those games.

Brown began the post-Patterson era by hauling in two catches for 38 yards against Arkansas, which certainly offered reason for skepticism. He pulled in at least six catches in each of his next four games, however, picking up 487 yards and five touchdowns during that time.

By the end of the season, Brown had cemented his place amongst the nation’s elite by dominating the SEC leaderboard in almost every way.

Statistics only count for so much, but Brown looked the part of an elite wide receiver in 2017—both with and without Patterson.

In 2018, Brown will have a vital measure of continuity with dual-threat quarterback Jordan Ta’amu, who replaced Patterson after the injury. The hope around the country is that, with Ta’aum, Brown will build upon his success and improve his showings against elite opponents.

As for what has scouts so convinced he’ll prosper, it’s likely the fact that Brown is a 6’1″ and 225-pound slot target who can exploit defenses all over the route tree.

If that doesn’t offer reason to at least follow Brown’s 2018 season from afar, I’m not sure what it is you’re looking for.

Thankfully, there’s more.

In 2017, Brown averaged 13.17 yards per slot target—the second-highest figure amongst returning wide receivers, per Pro Football Focus. He led all returning SEC wide receivers in yards per route run and showcased an ability to make plays all over the field.

Perhaps nothing was more profound than the fact that he averaged 16.7 yards per reception on 96 targets and 75 catches.

That number speaks for itself, but it’s the context of it that makes Brown a potential top-five pick. He forced 23 missed tackles during the 2017 season, ultimately amassing 674 yards after the catch—second-most amongst returning wide receivers.

Many are capable of making plays, but Brown is a matchup nightmare in every sense of the word—a big reason Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN has him ranked No. 4 overall in the class of 2019.

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A.J. Brown is the elusive possession receiver who can make a defense pay after the catch. Follow him closely if you’re an NFL Draft fan.